Dealing with Windows-Related Startup Problems

Now that you know how to get into Safe mode and troubleshoot the Windows startup process, let's look at some specific Windows-related startup problems.

Problem: Your Computer Starts, but Windows Doesn't And You Receive an Error Message

If Windows doesn't load if your system, after the standard boot procedure, just "hangs" in place then there is probably something wrong with the way Windows is installed or configured. This typically happens after you add something new (hardware or software) to your system. The new thing changes the settings that used to work okay to a configuration that doesn't work okay anymore.

It's also possible for Windows to have trouble loading even when you've done nothing new or different to your system. Even the 32-bit Windows XP can be finicky at times, and can surprise you with what it does or doesn't do.

If you receive an error message while Windows is loading, it's likely that Windows is trying to load a bad or incorrect device driver of some sort. In fact, the error message will more often than not tell you exactly which driver it's having trouble with. After you know which driver is causing problems, you can either reinstall that driver or eliminate that driver from the loading process by using the options in the System Configuration Utility.

If the error message doesn't tell you which driver is causing the problem, you can determine that yourself by using the System Configuration Utility to perform a selective startup. Restart Windows in Safe mode, and then run the System Configuration Utility, as discussed previously.

If you'd rather not go through the entire selective startup business, just launch the System Restore utility, as discussed in Chapter 21, "How to Deal with a Finicky PC." Choose to restore your system to some prior restore point, and get on with your business. (Of course, you might not figure out what was actually causing the problem but at least you'll be up and running! )

Problem: Your Computer Starts, but Windows Doesn't And You Don't Receive an Error Message

What if you can't load Windows and don't receive an error message? In this instance you want to start Windows in Safe mode, and then disable any other programs that might be loading when Windows starts up. Click the Start button and select All Programs, Startup. Use your mouse to move all items in the Startup menu to another menu (any menu will do, as long as you remember which one it is). Now restart Windows and see what happens.

If Windows now starts properly, one of the programs that used to start up when Windows started is causing you problems. One at a time, drag those programs back to the Startup menu (using the same procedure as before), and then restart Windows. Each time Windows starts properly, you know that particular program is okay. When Windows doesn't start properly, you know that particular program is a problem so leave it out of your Startup folder.

If, on the other hand, removing the programs from your Startup folder didn't fix your problem, you have a problem with a specific device driver. If you're technically minded (and very patient), you can use the System Configuration Utility's startup diagnostics to try and isolate the problem driver.

A better bet is to run the System Restore utility and restore your system back to an earlier state presumably before you installed or updated the driver that is causing your problems.

If even this doesn't work, it's time to reinstall Windows. Use your Windows installation CD to initiate a complete installation and setup and if this doesn't fix your problem, it's time to contact a technical professional.

Problem: Your Computer Starts, but Windows Doesn't And You Can't Enter Safe Mode

Sometimes Safe mode isn't safe enough. Any number of conditions can cause Windows not to start in Safe mode:

• Your system is infected with a computer virus. You might need to reinstall Windows to eliminate the effect of the virus, and then use an antivirus program to initiate a more complete cleansing of your system.

• Your computer's CMOS BIOS settings are incorrect. During boot-up, check your CMOS settings and make corrections as necessary. If your CMOS battery is weak and not holding its settings, replace the battery.

• You have a hardware conflict. Some device in your system is conflicting with some other device; the most common conflicts are IRQ conflicts. Ask a technical professional (or just an old geek who knows how to use DOS) to hunt down the errant device with the Safe Mode with Command Prompt option.

If you have persistent problems starting in Safe mode, try choosing the Last Known Good Configuration startup option. If even this doesn't work, you might need to reinstall Windows from scratch.

Problem: Your Computer Starts and Windows Enters Safe Mode Automatically

Windows starts up in Safe mode automatically when it senses a major driver problem or conflict. Follow the steps in the "Your Computer Starts, But Windows Doesn't and You Receive an Error Message" section to track down the source of the problem. (Or just launch System Restore and restore your system to some prior condition.)